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Top Rated Youth Soccer Clubs in Salem, Ohio

For families living in or near Salem, finding a club that balances high-level player development with reasonable commute times is critical. This directory lists the competitive youth soccer organizations headquartered specifically within the Salem metropolitan area and surrounding suburbs.

These clubs offer programs for various age groups, typically starting at U6 and progressing through U19 college showcase teams. The listings below include detailed data on field locations, tryout dates, and league affiliations to help you compare local options side-by-side.

Find the Best Soccer Club in Salem, Ohio for you.

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Soccer Clubs Near Salem, Ohio (7)

Canton Akron United

North Canton, OH

Canton Akron United (CAU) Force Soccer Club is a premier youth soccer organization operating in Northeast Ohio, with its state-of-the-art outdoor training facility located in Canton, Ohio. While the current entity, Canton Akron United Force Soccer Club, was established in 2022, its roots extend further, with some players having been part of the "Force family" for up to 10 years. The club provides a comprehensive training pathway for players ranging from age 3 to pre-professional, including Juniors Academy for younger athletes and competitive teams from U9 through U19. CAU Force distinguishes itself as the area's only Premier Youth Training Pathway, emphasizing innovation in soccer development through integrated coach development, player development, and parent education. The club boasts a professional club structure with full-time soccer professionals and directors, alongside a proven coaching staff holding numerous US Soccer Federation National licenses and including NCAA collegiate coaches. CAU Force offers extensive collegiate and pre-professional pathways, preparing its members for high school, college, and professional levels of play. Their teams compete in top-tier leagues and programs, including the Elite Clubs National League - Regional Great Lakes Conference (ECNL-RL), National Premier League (NPL), Great Lakes Alliance (GLA), Pre Elite Clubs National League, and Central Alliance Soccer Association (CASA). Additionally, the club features an Ohio Valley Premier League (OVPL) U23 program for collegiate and aspiring professional players.

Leagues: ENCL RL Girls | ENCL RL Boys | Pre-ECNL | NPL

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Cleveland Force

Bedford Heights, OH

Cleveland Force Soccer Club (CFSC) is a premier youth training pathway for soccer players in Northeast Ohio, serving athletes from age 3 to pre-professional. The club offers comprehensive programs for boys and girls, ranging from Minis Academy for ages 3-4 to competitive youth teams from U9 through U19. CFSC distinguishes itself with a professional club structure, including over 14 full-time soccer directors and coaches, and a highly accredited coaching staff holding numerous US Soccer Federation National licenses. The club provides a proven player pathway, with over 550 players achieving collegiate experience, more than 40 advancing to professional levels, and 8 earning National Team experience. Their core values, embodied in "C.H.I.R.P." (Commitment, Humility, Integrity, Respect, Passion), guide player development. Cleveland Force teams compete in top-tier leagues such as the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), ECNL Regional League, United Soccer League (USL) League Two, USL W League, USL Academy, Super Y League, Great Lakes Alliance, and Central Alliance Soccer Association. The club also features a "Girls Only" initiative aimed at fostering female participation and development. CFSC utilizes multiple convenient outdoor and indoor training locations throughout Northeast Ohio.

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Ambassadors Football Club

Twinsburg, OH

Ambassadors Football Club (AFC) is a youth soccer organization operating in Northeast Ohio, with a significant presence in the Cleveland and Canton areas. The club is the U.S. operational arm of Ambassadors Football, a global Christian sports ministry founded in England in 1990 that now operates in over 30 countries. AFC uses soccer as a platform for community involvement and to share its Christian ethos. The club provides programs for a wide range of ages, from young children to pre-professional athletes. A key feature of the club is its complete player development pathway, extending from youth teams to the pre-professional level. For its top talent, the club offers a men's team, Ambassadors FC Ohio, which competes in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). Additionally, their successful women's pre-professional team plays in the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL). This women's program has a history of developing elite college, international, and professional players.

Leagues: NPL

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Cuyahoga Valley Soccer Academy

Peninsula, OH

Cuyahoga Valley Soccer Academy is a youth soccer club based in the Cuyahoga Valley region of Northeast Ohio, serving communities around Cleveland and Akron. The club operates as a dedicated academy focused on nurturing soccer talent through structured training and competition. Established as a key developmental program in the area, it has built a reputation for quality youth instruction over the years. CVSA serves boys and girls across a range of youth age groups, from introductory levels to advanced competitive teams. Unique selling points include its emphasis on tryout-based team selection to ensure matched competition and player growth, along with integration into broader recruitment networks for exposure. The academy provides pathways for players to advance through escalating levels of play, prioritizing skill enhancement and team dynamics. CVSA teams engage in regional competitions that challenge participants and build experience. The club stands out for its active online resources, such as tryout registrations for seasons like 2025/26, streamlining access for families. Their programs foster a supportive environment that balances athletic development with enjoyment of the sport. CVSA contributes significantly to the local soccer ecosystem by offering opportunities that prepare players for future challenges in the game.

Leagues: NPL

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Ohio Strikers United

Wadsworth, OH

Ohio Strikers United Soccer Club operates as a premier youth soccer organization in the Wooster area of Ohio. Established in Spring 2006, the club focuses on fostering well-rounded athletes who excel both on and off the field. It provides a competitive yet supportive environment that builds confidence and supports goal achievement from youth through college levels. The club serves boys and girls across age groups from U-9 through U-19. All teams are coached by licensed and experienced professionals dedicated to player development. Ohio Strikers United fields teams in top competitive leagues including the National Premier Leagues (NPL), Great Lakes Alliance (GLA), and CASA League. Its squads also compete in prestigious tournaments such as the Ohio North State Cup and US Club State Cup. The club attends college showcase events to facilitate pathways for players advancing to higher education soccer programs. Ohio Strikers United emphasizes comprehensive training through specialized camps that enhance skills in a fun and educational setting. This commitment to holistic growth distinguishes the club in Ohio's youth soccer landscape.

Leagues: NPL

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Soccer Vision Academy

Youngstown, OH

Soccer Vision Academy is an elite youth soccer club based in the Youngstown, Ohio, area, serving players from Columbiana, Mahoning, and Trumbull Counties as well as western Pennsylvania. Established in 1998, the club prioritizes the welfare and individual development of its players through a demanding yet enjoyable training environment. It focuses on fostering technical skills, motor development, and confidence in young athletes. The academy serves boys and girls across various age groups, including introductory programs for 5- to 7-year-olds through competitive teams up to U-13 and beyond. Soccer Vision Kids, a franchised component, emphasizes fun games, skill-based activities, and small-sided matches to build foundational abilities like dribbling, shooting, and agility. The club's pre-academy teams invite top performers from the kids' program for advanced training. Soccer Vision Academy participates in regional tournaments such as the Bothwell Cup and contributes significantly to the Olympic Development Program in Ohio North. It has earned recognition for accumulating points in events like the Bothwell Cup and for its broader impact on player development across the United States. The organization offers specialized sessions for goalkeepers and strikers to enhance positional expertise. Through consistent success in regional competitions, Soccer Vision Academy builds pathways for players to advance in competitive youth soccer.

Leagues: NPL

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Stark United Soccer Club

Stark County, OH

Stark United Premier is a youth soccer club based in Stark County, Ohio. The club delivers experienced and passionate training programs that foster a love for the game and promote sportsmanship among players. It creates a supportive and family-oriented atmosphere where athletes push to reach their highest potential. Stark United Premier serves youth players from kindergarten through 8th grade and beyond into competitive levels. The club distinguishes itself through its structured and dynamic environment that emphasizes affordable access to premier soccer compared to other clubs in the region. Teams compete in top competitive leagues including the CASA Premier and Great Lakes Alliance NPL. These programs prepare players for high-level high school placements and collegiate opportunities. Stark United Premier builds a pathway for youth development focused on excellence in regional and national competition. The club engages the community by offering events and updates to support player growth and team achievements.

Leagues: NPL

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Player Development Pathways in Salem

The youth soccer culture in Salem is driven by a mix of non-profit community associations and private academies. Many of the clubs listed here utilize local facilities, including municipal parks and school district stadiums.

How to Compare:

We recommend reviewing the 'Competitive Level' tag on each profile. Some clubs in Salem focus on recreational play and foundational skills, others are designated as 'High Level', or 'Local/State Level Competitive' requiring regional travel or to nearby cities for league matches, while 'Elite' teams often travel across states and nationally.

Browse Soccer Clubs Near Other Cities In Ohio

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Club Soccer?

Club Soccer, also commonly known as travel soccer, represents a higher level of competitive youth soccer compared to recreational leagues. In the club system, players typically attend tryouts to be selected for a team within a privately-owned soccer club. These clubs are focused on long-term player development and compete against other clubs in various leagues and tournaments. The environment is more structured, with professionally licensed coaches, more frequent practices, and a greater time and financial commitment. The goal is to develop players' technical skills, tactical understanding, and overall passion for the game at a more intensive level.

If you're interested in exploring this path for your child, a great first step is to see what options are available in your area. You can start by looking at our directory of youth soccer clubs. For a deeper dive into what this journey entails, check out our article on Understanding Youth Soccer Player Development.

What is the difference between travel, club, and rec soccer?

Club Soccer and Travel Soccer are generally synonymous terms for competitive soccer programs. They are a significant step up from recreational soccer in terms of commitment, competition, and cost.

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

Competition Level: Club/Travel soccer is highly competitive, with teams formed through tryouts. Recreational (Rec) soccer is open to everyone regardless of skill level, focusing on fun and participation.
Coaching: Club teams are typically coached by licensed, professional coaches who are paid for their services. Rec teams are often coached by parent volunteers.
Commitment: Club players commit to a full soccer year (fall and spring seasons) and are expected to attend multiple practices per week (often 2-3 sessions of 90-120 minutes) and games on weekends. Rec soccer usually involves a shorter season, with maybe one practice and one game per week.
Travel: As the name implies, travel/club soccer involves traveling to play games against teams from other towns, cities, or even states, especially for tournaments and showcase events. Rec soccer games are almost always local.
Cost: The financial commitment for club soccer is significantly higher, covering professional coaching, league fees, tournament entries, and uniforms. You can learn more in our detailed guide on the Cost of Youth Soccer.
Player Development: The primary focus of club soccer is on developing individual skills and tactical knowledge to prepare players for higher levels of competition. Rec soccer focuses more on learning the basic rules, sportsmanship, and having fun.

For families looking for a fun, introductory experience, a recreational program like MLS Go can be a perfect start.

What are the different youth soccer leagues in the US?

The U.S. youth soccer landscape is comprised of numerous leagues, each offering different levels of competition, exposure to college scouts, and geographical reach. Understanding this structure can be complex, but it can generally be viewed as a pyramid.

Here are some of the most prominent national and regional leagues:

MLS NEXT: Considered the highest level of boys' youth soccer in North America, it's run by Major League Soccer and focuses on developing players for professional and national teams. Learn more about the new two-tiered system in our Guide to the New MLS Next Divisions.
ECNL (Elite Clubs National League): The ECNL is a premier national league for both boys and girls, known for its high level of competition and as a major platform for college recruitment. It includes both national and regional tiers (ECNL-RL).
Girls Academy (GA): A top-tier, girls-only league created by and for players, focusing on holistic player development and providing a direct pathway to college and national teams.
US Youth Soccer National League: One of the largest and most established leagues, offering a tiered structure with both team-based and club-based competition that provides a pathway to the annual USYS National Championships.
National Premier Leagues (NPL): A national competition platform by US Club Soccer that consists of various regional member leagues, culminating in a national championship event.

For a comprehensive overview of how these leagues compare, explore our Youth Soccer Leagues guide and our detailed analysis in the Boys Youth Soccer Pyramid Explained.

How do I choose the right club for my child?

Choosing the right soccer club is a crucial decision that can shape your child's athletic and personal development. It's about finding the best fit for their skills, goals, and personality, as well as what works for your family.

Here are key factors to consider:

Club Philosophy and Culture: Does the club prioritize winning at all costs, or is there a strong emphasis on player development, sportsmanship, and fun? Try to observe a practice or game to get a feel for the environment.
Coaching Quality: Look for experienced, licensed coaches who are good teachers and positive role models. A good coach knows how to motivate and develop young athletes while fostering a love for the game.
Player Development Pathway: Does the club have a clear plan for developing players from younger ages to older, more competitive levels? What opportunities do they provide for growth?
Level of Competition: Ensure the club competes at a level that will challenge your child without being overwhelming. This is where understanding the different youth soccer leagues is important.
Logistics and Cost: Consider the practice schedules, travel requirements, and overall financial commitment. Be sure to understand what is included in the club fees and what will be extra.

To begin your research, you can browse our directory of youth soccer clubs. For more tips on the evaluation process, read our guide on Understanding Youth Soccer Player Development.

What is the pathway to college soccer?

Navigating the college soccer recruiting process requires a proactive and organized approach from both the player and their family. The journey typically begins in the early high school years.

Here are the essential steps on the pathway to playing college soccer:

Play at a High Level: Competing in nationally recognized leagues like ECNL, Girls Academy, or MLS NEXT is crucial for exposure, as college coaches heavily recruit from these platforms.
Maintain Strong Academics: Good grades and standardized test scores are non-negotiable. Student-athletes must meet NCAA eligibility requirements to be considered.
Create a Player Profile & Highlight Video: Compile a soccer resume that includes your academic achievements, athletic accomplishments, and contact information. A well-edited highlight video (3-5 minutes) is essential to showcase your skills to coaches.
Attend ID Camps and Showcases: These events are specifically designed for prospective student-athletes to demonstrate their abilities in front of numerous college coaches.
Proactive Communication: Don't wait to be discovered. Research schools that are a good fit both athletically and academically. Send introductory emails to coaches, including your player profile and highlight video, and follow up persistently.
Guidance from Your Club: Your club coaches and directors can be valuable resources in connecting with college programs and offering advice.

For a complete breakdown of the timeline and strategy, be sure to read our Youth Soccer Guide to College Soccer Recruiting.

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